Diane Lynn Bradner passed away on Monday January 28^th, 2019 at the age of 66. She will be forever loved and missed by her husband Ron, her sons Tom Poppens (Brenda), Arik Bradner (Mikesha), daughter Rachel Ashby (Scott), by her grandchildren Amanda Oelmann (Ryan), Lindsey, Rachel, and Shane Poppens; Andrew, Aiden, and MaKenzie Bradner; Ethan and Daniel Ashby as well as her great-grandchildren Kenley and Madelyn.

She was one of three children of the late Harm and Phyllis Eeten who lived in Spencer, Iowa where Diane was born. She is survived by her brother Michael Eeten (Darla) and was predeceased by her sister Sandra Walters. She is remembered by her mother in-law Betty Bradner, sister-in-laws Christine Smith (Larry), Pamela Ohnemus (Jim) and by her father in-law Norman Bradner (Annie).

Diane lived in many places across Canada and the United States; touching so many lives within those communities. She lived and loved where ever she was and gave back whenever she could. Later in life, she fed body and soul as a head cook at Kenesserie Camp, many roast beef dinners, an artisan at our local Subway where she would always greet you with a smile, and perhaps most famously known for those cinnamon rolls that would fetch a hefty price tag at the Ridge United Church auctions. It was at Ridge where she also found her true passion in Lay Ministry.

Diane truly was one of a kind. A mother, grandmother, a friend. She will be missed by all of those she touched but will be remembered always as how she was in life and how she lived. Love you Mom.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Friday February 8 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Diane will take place in Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday February 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Friends wishing to remember Diane with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridge Community Church or the VON of Chatham.

Cindy Daly of Ridgetown passed away on Thursday January 24, 2019 at the age of 61. She will be forever loved by her husband Wayne, her daughters Tawnya Smith (Carmen) and Tina Gibson (Ken), by her grandchildren Amber and Brennon Smith, Dylan Ronda, Honesty, Kenya and Ethan Gibson and by her chosen children Chris Mervin and Sandy Parmley.

Cindy was one of eleven children born to the late Dorothy & John Summerfield. She is survived by her siblings Cheryl Begin (Claude), Dennis Summerfield (Denise), Wayne Summerfield (Kim), Bonnie Graham (Terry), Kathy VanSickle (Randy) and Tammy Cartier (Dennis). She was predeceased by her brothers Robert, Terry and Jerry Summerfield and by her sister Jackie Summerfield.

She will also be remembered with great fondness by her mother in law Mary Ellen Greenway, her brothers and sisters-in-law Ken Daly (Gwen), Brian Daly (Susan), Darlene Miller (Alex), Al Daly and Scott Daly (Terri), by her Uncle Ernie Summerfield and by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her fathers-in-law Jack Daly and Allen Greenway.

Cindy had a competitive nature. She loved to play cards and could often be found playing in local tournaments. Her witty personality was definitely something she was known for…she was always quick to crack a joke and lighten the mood. She played baseball for many years and when she retired she became a loyal fan and cheerleader. Cindy never shied away from hard work; a virtue that started at an early age and continued throughout her life. When she wasn’t working she was volunteering and when she wasn’t doing that she was always helping out family and friends. Whatever the task, she always gave it 100%. Cindy was a true fighter to the very end.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Cindy’s life will take place on Monday January 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. and will be followed by a gathering at the Ridgetown Legion, Branch 243 where Cindy was a long time member and part of the Ladies Auxillary. It was Cindy’s request that anyone wishing to remember her with a memorial donation would consider supporting the Ridgetown Legion or the Ridgetown Ladies Auxillary.

Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Cremation will take place with a private family interment in the Morpeth Cemetery at a later date.

Robert (Bob) DeLaet, 84, of Blenheim, Ontario, passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on January 17, 2019.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Peggy (Lusk). He will be sadly missed by his children, Richard of Chatham, Mark (late Nancy) of Blenheim, Deidra Bilotta (Tommy) of Niagara Falls; step children Toni Benning (Rich Walton) of Fort Frances, Suanne Benning (Joe Primeau) of Blenheim, Cindy Benning (Peter Melville) of Frankford, and Kelly Ellis (Scott) of London as well as his 9 grandchildren, Megan Bale-Nick (Ryan Nick) of Winnipeg, Jordan and Melissa Bale of Ottawa, Angela Mills (Kate Mitchell) of Port Hope, Paige King (Matt) of Niagara Falls, Steven DeLaet of Leamington, Sara DeLaet of Chatham, Jessica Gaudrealt (Brady) of Blenheim, Chelsea Hickey of Frankford and Samantha Ellis of London. Bob was proud of his 4 great grandsons; George and Wyatt Nick of Winnipeg, Maxim and Drake King of Niagara Falls and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie DeLaet , his brother August DeLaet and sister Augusta Sinclair.

Bob loved sports, especially baseball, where his favourite team was the Detroit Tigers. He was a lover of music as well, spending 25 years playing the accordion in the 3B’s. He retired after a long career with WG Thompson & Sons Ltd. He was passionate about his lakeside living and spent as much time as he could fishing and conversing with his many friends.

Visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home:

Saturday January 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM                                                                                           Sunday January 20 at 12:30 PM. Funeral to follow at 1:30 PM
Bob will be cremated at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother Donna Lynn Elizabeth Sanford on Tuesday January 8^th, 2019. Mom was born in Wawa, Ontario on July 6^th, 1949 to her parents Theresa (Huck) and Gordon Lohnes.

Many may have known her as the independently successful owner/operator of Loeb in Nortown Plaza, Chatham and IGA grocery stores in Blenheim, Ridgetown, and Harrow.

Mom was the proud matriarch of her family which included Dane (Amy), Kassie (Tim), Ryan, Scott (Jodi), grandchildren Brendan (Amy), Spencer, Chloe, Michael, Amber, Molly, Keegan, Reilly and great-grandchildren Brian, Benjamin, Braxton, Cruz and Carter.

Many people considered our mom as their mom too. Always putting others first, sharing, helping, giving unconditional love to others, and saying “Howdy!” (a lot). She was definitely larger than life.

In keeping with mom’s wishes, her ashes will be placed beside her dad’s at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim. This part of her life will be respected with quiet dignity. Her family and close friends will celebrate her life at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center [Charitable Registration #122963663RR0001], in recognition of the exceptional research and discovery done by Dr. Marie Faughnan, Rose Pantalone and all their staff.

Dougglas Slauenwhite of Chatham passed away on Wednesday January 9, 2019. He was born in Sudbury 51 years ago to his parents Edward Slauenwhite (Ann Parker) and the late Evelyn (Dawson) Slauenwhite. Doug was one of 6 children and is survived by his brother and four sisters.

He leaves to mourn his soulmate Aleisha Robert, their children Amanda Grass, Zack Slauenwhite, Dawson Slauenwhite, Maleah Robert, Jesikah Robert, Jamar Robert and grandchildren Jaylyn, Karson , Xavier and his Chipper Espynn.

Friends will remember Doug from the years he worked at Inergy and for the last years at Woodbridge Foam in Blenheim.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 12, 2019 where visitation will take place from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. There will not be a service as per his wishes. Cremation will follow.

Friends wishing to remember Doug with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Blanche Beaubien of Blenheim passed away at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown on Wednesday January 9, 2019 at the age of 92 years. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Judy Beaubien, her grandchildren Christa & Christopher Strub and Jeffrey Sadler and her son-in-law Gary Sadler. She was predeceased by her husband George Beaubien and her daughter Linda Sadler.

Blanche was one of nine children born to the late Emma & Frank Faubert. She was the last surviving member of her family, being predeceased by her sisters Gertrude Stoffer, Irene Lowe, Marie Guy, Frances Faubert, Genevieve Hukel and her brothers Leo, Elmer and Clayton Faubert.

Blanche enjoyed travelling even though she never took up driving. Going on day trips with Judy and their friends at the Blenheim Senior Centre was the highlight of many memories. She attended the Blenheim United Church regularly until her move to the Village in Ridgetown.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 11, 2019 where visitation will be held from 11:00 until the time of a service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Friends wishing to remember Blanche with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

With overwhelming sadness, the family of Jesse Jaret Nichol announces his unexpected passing on Wednesday December 19, 2018 in his 38^th year. Jesse was born November 30, 1980 on his brother Tyler’s birthday (1978) in Chatham, Ontario.   He is the second son of John and Karen Nichol (Nicholson). He will be forever missed by brothers Tyler, Boyd and Daniel.

Jesse lived in Gibson, B.C. with his soulmate Jaimee and their daughter Louella who always called him Papa and was the light of his life.

He will be sadly missed by his nephews Brett, Eli, Oliver, Ezra and Benjimin, by his nieces Leah, Vanessa and Ruby, his grandfather Harvey Nicholson as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Shirley Nicholson, Bob and Eugenia Nichol.

Jesse had his own business in property maintenance. Eventually he went into caregiving and found this more to his liking. Jesse was a man of many talents. He was passionate about his music and wherever he went he had his guitar or some other instrument with him. He was very entertaining and expressive in the songs and music he made and the many, many instruments he taught himself to play. He had a real creative way about himself that shone through in his life, his love for his family, his pets, his music, his paintings, his jewelry, his sculptures, his art and anything he put his hands to. He brought so much into our lives with his loving presence, his happiness and joy of life. His free spirit, his smile and his laughter will be missed by all those fortunate to have known him.

Jesse gave his body to research to help others.

We will always miss you…and be so grateful for your songs and music that you have given to us…forever in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life officiated by Pastor Doug Rowley at The Gathering Place, 66 Main Street West in Ridgetown on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow.

Friends and family wishing to remember Jesse through a memorial donation are asked to consider helping to provide the things in life that he himself wanted to provide for the light of his life, Louella.

Elisa “Lisa” (Van Den Beuken) Lenders passed away on Wednesday January 2, 2019. Lisa was born in Kessel, Holland (Limburg) on August 12, 1924 to the late Gerardus Van Den Beuken and Petronella Kessels. She was predeceased by her husband William “Bill” Lenders in 2008. She is survived by her children Kathy Falkingham (late Lon) of Hanover, Jerry & Elizabeth Lenders of Toronto, Alice & Tom Haggith of Corunna, Wilma & Paul Huffman of Blenheim and Carol & Kevin Martin of Barrie. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jeffery, Janet, Nathan, Adam, Trevor, Joshua, Zachary, Matthew, Tyler and Melissa (predeceased by JayDee Haggith in 1997) and her great-grandchildren Jonah, Reece, Liam and Mattias.

She is survived by one sister Mariet and one brother Sjaak in Holland. She was predeceased by her brothers Jan, Will and Theo and by her sister Corrie.

Lisa was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Catholic Women’s League there. She was also a member of the Blenheim Senior Citizens Group and volunteered with the Cancer Society and the Hip Hip Hooray Walk for many years.

A Funeral Mass for Lisa will be held in St. Marys Church on Friday January 4, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Lisa with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society or the Cancer Society.

As Lisa’s family, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bonnie Gillanders and also the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for your warm hearted care of our beloved mother.

After a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Adriana McGuigan of Blenheim passed away in the early morning of December 31^st, 2018. Adriana was born exactly 57 years prior, in 1961, and is the first daughter of Josephine and the late Guy Ceccacci. She was the loving wife of the late Robert McGuigan (1955-2013) and caring mother of Mathew and Guido McGuigan. She is also survived by her sisters, Rita Luis and Margaret Rufo, as well as their children Joel Luis, Andrea Luis, Chris Luis, Angelo Rufo and GianCarlo Rufo.

Adriana is known to many throughout the community for her co-ownership of McGuigan Plant company with her husband Rob. Throughout the business’ 26-year lifespan, Adriana illuminated the community with her vivid and imaginative floral expertise as well her ability to chat off any ear that was willing to listen. She had a very strong and charismatic personality and commanded attention in every interaction she made. Adriana strongly believed that work was never done until it was done right and would constantly inspire those around her to do the same.

In 2012, Adriana was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and began her strenuous battle against cancer. Throughout this tough journey, Adriana kept to her normal routine and refused to give in to the difficulties this vicious disease carried. Even after several treatments of chemotherapy, and many unforeseen complications, Adriana could still be seen around town taking full ownership of her new hair and lifestyle. She will always be remembered for her individuality, strong demeanour and desire to do things her way.

Adriana’s drive and passion has touched the lives of many in, and outside, this community as she was constantly putting the needs of others before her own. In memory of Adriana, and her endless acts of selflessness, donations can be made to the Music Program at the Blenheim Youth Center, The Trillium Foundation and the Princess Margaret Cancer Lodge. These foundations were of great significance to Adriana, whether through providing help or receiving it, and any donations would be greatly appreciated.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 6^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and then from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. All of those that wish to pay their respects are welcome.

Trillium Foundation Donation Link: https://trilliumgiving.ca/give-support/give-in-memory/

Princess Margaret Hospital Link: https://www.thepmcf.ca/Ways-to-Give/Donate-Now

John Steen of Blenheim passed away at home on December 31, 2018 just one day after his 70^th birthday. John was born in Chatham. He was predeceased by his father James Steen, his mother, the late June Manninger (McEachran) and his step father Joe Manninger. He was also predeceased by his grandparents Reg & Alice McEachran. John is survived by his daughters Lori and Denise, his siblings Gail Steen, Mary Louise Clark, Linda & Russel Hillman, Greg & Diane Steen and their families as well as his aunts, uncles and cousins.

In life, John preferred things to be uncomplicated. In extending that tradition, it was his wish that cremation would take place and that his family would remember him privately.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com